Cactus warriors spreading the word

The TCCG ready to set out one of their regular Sunday morning battle with local Wheel Cactus.

The Tarrangower Cactus Control Group (TCCG) in conjunction with Landcare Victoria and the Northern Catchment CMA is holding a major all-day workshop in Baringhup on 14 May. Lunch is provided and there will be field trips as part of the day. RSVPs are required. Click here to see the flyer.

It has been estimated that 10,000 hectares of land across the Maldon, Baringhup, Nuggetty and Sandy Creek districts, including the Maldon Historic Reserve, is infected with Wheel Cactus Opuntia robusta. The TCCG assisted by Parks Victoria has been engaged in a lengthy and vigorous battle with this Weed of National Significance. Their comprehensive website documents much of this activity as well giving a history of the problem and a rundown on eradication methods.

Spread largely by Australian Ravens, small pockets of wheel cactus can now be seen across other areas in our Region. The Cactus Warriors are active in providing advice and practical assistance to landcare groups and landowners to control its spread. In March for example they held an information session in Gravel Reserve for the Muckleford Catchment Landcare Group.